Tag: collagen

NEW StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks

One of the most recognized skin care brands is StriVectin. But for some reason, I turned up my nose. Their angle seemed like a gimmick to me (I had absolutely no basis for this and have no idea why I felt this way). Well, I am glad I opened my mind to trying their newest product, StriVectin SD Advanced™ Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks.

The original cult-classic product has been beefed up with new technology and now I see what all the fuss is about. I’ve given this little tube a solid month of use and find that my skin feels… well, snatched for lack of a better word. The company promises results in 15 days and I can see why.

First, I love the tube packaging. I get a little weirded out scooping fingers into a tube night after night and I always manage to lose the included spoons. StriVectin’s texture is not liquid but not thick or goopy. And the highlight is the slightly minty scent that awakens my senses.

So what makes this special? First, StriVectin has a proprietary ingredient, NIA-114. This has been in their products for a while, but the new Collagex-CE Wrinkle Repair Complex helps both penetrate the deepest layers. Specifically, they target a kind of collagen called “youth collagen” that is crucial in youthful and regenerated skin. This happens thanks to an energy molecule that delivers amino acids and copper (one of my favorite ingredients) to skin’s deepest layers to produce and encourage collagen.

Some anti-aging products can clog my pores or feel heavy on my skin, especially in the spring and summer. But this manages to soak in and tighten, making it perfect for the warmer months. In addition, it works well in the AM under sunscreen and makeup.

According to the Nordstrom website, a “small group of first-time users may experience a blushing effect upon first application, which should typically last no more than 1-2 hours.” I have fairly sensitive skin and didn’t find this irritating at all. But I suggest trying a patch test on your jaw line if you are prone to irritation.

Available at Nordstrom.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Skin Care Mixology: 4 Boosters from Intraceuticals

I’m like a mixologist when it comes to skin care. Other than my tried and true retinol, I’ll change it up on a day to day basis: some days I’ll add a little Vitamin C and others a little Antioxidant. A little of this… a little of that. Intraceuticals had exactly this approach in mind when they developed their Boosters, designed to be mixed with your daily serum or used on their own. They come in handy when you are trying to spot treat certain areas (for instance, Vitamin C on my hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks). Here are the details on the four “flavors” if you will. I think they all come in pretty handy!

VITAMIN C+3 BOOSTER contains three forms of Vitamin C to fight premature aging, irregular tone and sun damage. The Vitamin C acts to fight free radical damage while protecting skin. It also works in collagen synthesis to improve skin texture. I mostly grab for this stuff because it can brighten and correct hyper-pigmentation. This booster should be primarily used in the morning and plays well with the Collagen+ Booster. If you are really going after hyper-pigmentation, use this with the Vitamin A+ Booster at night as well.

COLLAGEN+ BOOSTER is packed with peptides to renew and rejuvinate skin, plumping volume and tightening. It really can target fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating and adding radiance. Because this has such a beautiful immediate effect, I like using it in the morning under makeup. It also works well at night while skin is working hard to regenerate skin. You can add this to the Vitamin C+3 Booster in the morning, and Vitamin A+ Booster in the evening.

ANTIOXIDANT+ BOOSTER targets dull skin by revitalizing and detoxing. Perfect for after late nights or travel, it can improve dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. And the natural antioxidants sourced from the Australian Rainforest can give the complexion a more radiant and even look. Antioxidant+ Booster is designed to be used in the morning.

VITAMIN A+ BOOSTER, my most beloved skin care ingredients, does it all. Vitamin A can treat blemishes, visible pores, sun damage, uneven texture or deep wrinkles. This Booster is formulated with a “release on demand” form of Vitamin A to increase potency while reducing irritation. Vitamin A + Booster is should be used at night. It works particularly well with the Collagen+ Booster. Make sure to use twice a week, then gradually increase frequency to every other night. Vitamin A can cause irritation in those who have never used it.

Confused yet? If so, I found this chart so very helpful – create your cocktail of booster based on what skin issue you are dealing with:

You can find your closest Intraceuticals clinic here.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion

I’m all about a product that promises “instant” benefits. A little skeptical, yes. But I certainly will give it a whirl. Guess what, guys? This actually does work. Instant plumpy radiance!

So, the back story. You probably know collagen keeps our skin looking firm and young. But did you know you start losing collagen at the age of TWENTY? Dr. Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion actually boosts collagen, giving instant gratification plumping effect. And longterm use promises to boost that diminishing collagen, warding off fine lines and wrinkles.

The newest technology from Murad, RepleniCell, helps skin to attract and retain water. Rapid Collagen Infusion also delivers a botanical complex that boosts skin’s resilience while Winged Kelp encourages natural collagen and elastin. Apple and Lentil Seed Extracts also help plump fine lines.

The soothing, thick serum is non-irritating and slightly cooling. It has a pretty substaintial texture, but absorbs quickly. I like using the hydrating formula on my face and neck, twice a day. It works beautifully under makeup, almost like a primer. How can you resist a good before and after? No, that isn’t me, but pretty darn incredible.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion Before & After // Belle Belle Beauty

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Kate Somerville Oil Free Serums

Anti-aging products tend to cater more towards dry skin that isn’t prone to breakouts. Somehow, the nourishing, oil-based feel has a corner on wrinkle-fighting serums. But I know plenty of people who desire anti-wrinkle and hydration serum but don’t want the nasty oil. Kate Somerville to the rescue. Two of her newest serums are oil-free, but still satisfy the needed moisture and anti-aging needs of those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is one of my all time favorite products. It gives a glow and makes my skin feel rejuvenated. Now it comes in a lightweight, water-based, shine-free formula that’s perfect for oily skin. Kate Somerville Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum locks in hydration using Plumeria Flower Extract and Dynamic Moisture Complex™. Matrixyl 6, a peptide, fight against expression lines and wrinkles. Collagen builds firmness. And you get an immediate tightening effect.

Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Anti-Wrinkle Serum uses P299™, a scientifically advanced stem technology polypeptide, to diminish the look of wrinkles and help fight the signs of aging by activating the natural renewal process that strengthens skin. This serum also helps with hydration by using hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts, all while being oil-free.

These both can be used morning and night. I love the way Quench Oil-free looks under makeup. And CytoCell P299 is a powerhouse anti-aging fighter. I’ve been working this into my nighttime routine. Don’t forget to use this on your neck too!

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